Assessing the environmental factors affecting the sustainability of Aini Falaj system.

This study investigates the spatial distribution patterns and environmental factors influencing the Aini Falaj system in a specific study area. The research findings are presented through the lens of the following four categories: collinearity diagnostics, spatial autocorrelation analysis, kernel density (KD) findings, and multivariate geographically weighted regression (MGWR) analysis. The collinearity diagnostics were applied to examine the interrelationships among 18 independent environmental variables. The results indicate the absence of significant multicollinearity concerns, with most variables showing values below the critical threshold of five for variance inflation factors (VIFs). The selected variables indicate minimal intercorrelation, suggesting that researchers should be confident utilizing them in subsequent modelling or regression analyses. A spatial autocorrelation analysis using Moran's Index revealed positive spatial autocorrelation and significant clustering patterns in the distribution of live and non-functional Aini Falajs. High concentrations of live or dead Falajs tended to be surrounded by neighbouring areas with similar characteristics. These findings provide insights into the ecological preferences and habitat associations of Aini Falajs, thereby aiding conservation strategies and targeted studies. The kernel density (KD) analysis depicted distribution patterns of live and dry Aini Falajs through hotspots and cold spots. Specific regions exhibited high-density areas of live Falajs, indicating favourable environmental conditions or historical factors contributing to their concentrated distribution. Identifying these high-density zones can enhance our understanding of the spatial patterns and potential factors influencing the prevalence and sustainability of Aini Falajs. The multivariate geographically weighted regression (MGWR) models revealed strong associations between the live or dead status of Aini Falajs and environmental factors. The precipitation, topographic wetness index (TWI), aspect and slope exerted positive impacts on the live status, while evaporation, solar radiation, distance to drains and drain density exerted negative influences. Similar associations were observed for the dead status, emphasising the importance of controlling evaporation, shading mechanisms, proper drainage planning and sustainable land-use practices. This study provides valuable insights into the spatial distributions and factors influencing the live and dead status of Aini Falajs, thereby contributing to our understanding of their ecological dynamics and guiding conservation efforts and management strategies.

Monotherapy versus combination for the treatment of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia: a multicenter cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the safety and effectiveness of monotherapy versus combination therapy for the treatment of infections caused by S. maltophilia. METHODS: This retrospective, multicenter, cohort study included patients treated with either monotherapy or combination therapy for infections caused by S. maltophilia. Primary outcomes included overall in-hospital mortality, 30-day mortality, and clinical cure. Safety outcomes were also evaluated. Multivariable logistic regression was used as a control for confounding variables. RESULTS: A total of 407 patients were included, 330 patients received monotherapy and 77 patients received combination therapy. A total of 21% presented with concomitant bacteremia. After adjusting the differences between the two groups, there were no statistically significant differences between patients who received monotherapy versus combination therapy in clinical cure (55% vs 65%; OR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.40-1.31) and overall in-hospital mortality (52% vs 49%; OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.45-1.57). However, patients who received monotherapy had a lower rate of 30-day mortality (28% vs 32%; OR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.22-0.90) and acute kidney injury (9% vs 18%; OR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.16-0.78). CONCLUSION: Clinical outcomes did not significantly differ in patients who received combination therapy versus monotherapy. More data are needed to validate these findings.

Therapeutic potential of ramipril, losartan, and spironolactone against sepsis-associated liver tissue injury induced by cecal ligation and puncture in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Sepsis-associated liver injury is responsible for the high morbidity and mortality rates seen with septic shock. Activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) is an essential counteractive mechanism during the hypotensive phase of sepsis; however, excessive activation is associated with exaggerated pro-oxidant and inflammatory response, which aggravates organ damage. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of RAAS inhibition on sepsis-induced liver damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model was employed as a model of sepsis. Rats were divided into five groups: sham-operated, vehicle-treated septic rats, septic rats treated with ramipril in a dose of 10 mg/kg, septic rats treated with losartan in a dose of 20 mg/kg, and finally septic rats treated with spironolactone in a dose of 25 mg/kg. Rats received the treatment one hour after induction. Twenty-four hours later, rats were euthanized, and serum samples and liver tissue were collected to evaluate liver function and hepatic oxidative, anti-oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers. The microscopic integrity of the hepatic tissue was also assessed. RESULTS: The results of our study showed that all the treatments used ameliorated sepsis-induced liver injury. This was reflected by improved liver function parameters and histopathological appearance of liver tissue. Treatment with ramipril, losartan, or spironolactone reduced tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide, activated caspase-3, and TNF-α. Moreover, these drugs increased hepatic reduced-glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of ramipril, losartan, or spironolactone after CLP produced a hepatoprotective effect in rats, possibly by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Synthesis, structural, optical, and thermal properties of LaFeO3/Poly(methyl methacrylate)/Poly(vinyl acetate) nanocomposites for radiation shielding.

This work is an attempt to develop flexible radiation shielding based on a blend of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)/polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and LaFeO3 nanoparticles (NPs). LaFeO3 and LaFeO3/PMMA/PVAc were made using simple chemical techniques. A high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) showed that well-crystallized LaFeO3 NPs with particles 79 nm in size and an orthorhombic shape were obtained. In addition, XRD confirmed the existence of PMMA, PVAc, and LaFeO3 in the nanocomposite films. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) confirmed that the LaFeO3 NPs and the reactive functional groups in the blend interacted with each other. Field emission-scan electron microscope (FE-SEM) analysis showed that PMMA and PVAc form a homogenous blend and that the LaFeO3 NPs were spread out inside and on the blend surface. The samples showed transmittance in the range of 30-74% and a small extinction coefficient (≤ 0.08). The samples exhibited a dual-band gap structure, and the direct (indirect) band gap shrank from 5.1 to 4.7 eV (4.9 to 4.4 eV). The thermal analyses showed that the samples are thermally stable up to 260 °C. The Phy-X/PSD software was used to figure out the theoretical gamma-ray attenuation parameters, such as the mass attenuation coefficient, the mean free path, and the half-value layer, for different PMMA/PVAc + x% LaFeO3 composites. It is demonstrated that the PMMA/PVAc + 10 wt% LaFeO3 sample exhibits much better shielding effectiveness than PMMA/PVAc, and hence it is suitable for protecting against radiation.

Endometrial Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Analysis of Clinical Parameters, Treatment Modalities, and Prognostic Outcomes at a Tertiary Oncology Center in the UAE.

Background Endometrial carcinoma (EC) remains a pressing global health issue, with a discernible upsurge in incidence, especially in developed countries. Notably, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has witnessed a surge in EC cases, demanding an in-depth, region-specific exploration into the disease's clinical, treatment, and prognostic facets against the backdrop of its unique socio-genetic and environmental contours. Aim This study aimed to profess a comprehensive understanding of EC by examining clinical parameters, treatment modalities, and prognostic outcomes in the UAE context, thereby seeking to delineate potential correlations between varied therapeutic combinations, patient demographics, and tumor characteristics in affecting prognostic outcomes. Materials and methods A retrospective cohort study involving 93 patients diagnosed with EC from January 2011 to March 2023 at a leading oncology center in the UAE was conducted. Data, including demographic information, clinical presentation, treatment modalities, and prognostic outcomes, were meticulously extracted and analyzed. The R software (version 4.2.2) facilitated exhaustive statistical analyses, involving descriptive statistics, correlation analyses with the polycor package, and survival analyses utilizing the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis via the survival and survminer packages, respectively. Results Although the correlation matrix revealed a noticeable relationship between "Family history" and "Age," most parameters displayed independence, offering a robust platform for ensuing multivariate analyses. Kaplan-Meier survival curves, stratified by therapeutic modalities, exhibited no statistically significant survival differences across therapeutic cohorts (p-values: 0.44, 0.86, and 0.83). Conversely, the composite Cox regression model underscored "non-national" demographic, Diabetes Mellitus II, and stromal invasion as pivotal prognostic factors, indicating the multifactorial nature of survival in EC patients and emphasizing demographic and tumor characteristics over therapeutic modalities as influential prognostic determinants. Conclusion In conclusion, while therapy types were not directly correlated with survival, demographic and tumor traits prominently impacted prognostic outcomes, advocating for an intricate, multidimensional approach to managing EC in the UAE. This study hopes to sow seeds for subsequent research, shaping clinically and culturally apt practices and policies in the region's healthcare landscape.

Unveiling the Impact of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Meta-Analysis of Survival Rates Among Patients in the United States Based on Vaccination Status.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in a significant number of cases and deaths worldwide. Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure against the disease. This study aimed to assess the mortality rates of COVID-19 patients in the United States and the effectiveness of Pfizer (Pfizer, NY, USA), Moderna (Moderna, MA, USA), and Janssen (Johnson & Johnson, NJ, USA) vaccines in preventing mortality. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA-2020) guidelines. Eligible studies reporting on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines on patient outcomes were included. The search was performed in PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar databases. The data were extracted, and risk ratios (RR) were calculated for mortality outcomes. The analysis was performed using Review Manager software, and bias assessments were conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Meta-Analysis tools. A total of seven studies with 21,618,297 COVID-19 patients were included in the meta-analysis. The odds ratio (OR) for mortality among unvaccinated patients compared to vaccinated patients was 2.46 (95% CI: 1.71-3.53), indicating that unvaccinated patients were 2.46 times more likely to die from COVID-19. The findings of this study support the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in reducing mortality among infected individuals. Unvaccinated patients had a significantly higher risk of mortality compared to vaccinated patients. Vaccination remains a crucial strategy to mitigate the severity of the disease and reduce mortality rates. Efforts should be made to address vaccine hesitancy and ensure widespread vaccine coverage.

[Electronic cigarettes and fertility: True or false friends?] / Cigarette électronique et fertilité : vrais ou faux amis ?

While electronic cigarettes have been on the rise in France for the past ten years, data on their prevalence, use patterns and safety have remained fragmented and controversial. Electronic cigarettes seem to not be a harmless product to use, because although they contain fewer harmful substances than traditional cigarettes, they still contain toxic products such as endocrine disruptors, which appear to have a negative impact on hormonal homeostasis, morphology and functioning of the animal reproductive system. Mostly presented as a harmless alternative to traditional cigarettes by industry lobbies, electronic cigarettes are often offered as an aid to smoking cessation in the same way as nicotinic substitutes. This strategy is especially proposed without knowledge of its effects on human reproductive health. Indeed, there are currently very few scientific publications, which study the impact of the use of electronic cigarettes, nicotine and the vapours it delivers on fertility and the functioning of the human female and male reproductive systems. Thus, the great majority of the data we have to date come from studies carried out in animal populations and show that electronic cigarettes exposure affect fertility. There is, to our knowledge, no scientific publication on the results in Assisted Reproductive Technology in case of use of electronic cigarettes, motivating the realization of the study IVF-VAP currently underway in the department of Medicine and Biology of Reproduction of the Amiens Picardie University Hospital.

First constitutive heterochromatin characterization and Karyotype of white stork Ciconia ciconia (Aves: Ciconiidae) / Primeira caracterização constitutiva de heterocromatina e cariótipo de cegonha-branca Ciconia ciconia (Aves: Ciconiidae)

Abstract The karyotype and constitutive heterochromatin pattern of the white stork Ciconia ciconia samples obtained from Manzala lake, Dimiaat, Egypt was described. Somatic cells of Ciconia ciconia samples have diploid number 2n= 68 chromosomes. Out of 68 chromosomes, 11 pairs including sex chromosomes were macrochromosomes and the remaining pairs were microchromosomes. Of the 11 macrochromosome pairs, no.1, 2, 4 and 5 were submetacentric and pairs no. 6, 7 and 8 were described as metacentric. In addition, the autosome pair no.3 was subtelocentric, while autosome pair no.9 was acrocentric. Also, the sex chromosome Z represents the fourth one in size and it was classified as submetacentric while, W chromosome appeared as medium size and was acrocentric. Furthermore, C-banding pattern (constitutive heterochromatin) revealed variation in their sizes and occurrence between macrochromosomes. Pairs no. 7 and 8 of autosomes exhibited unusual distribution of heterochromatin, where they appeared as entirely heterochromatic. This may be related to the origin of sex chromosomes Z and W. However, there is no sufficient evidence illustrate the appearance of entirely heterochromatic autosomes. Therefore, there is no available cytogenetic literature that describes the C-banding and karyotype of Ciconia Ciconia, so the results herein are important and may assist in cytogenetic study and evolutionary pattern of Ciconiiformes.

Resumo O cariótipo e o padrão constitutivo de heterocromatina das amostras de cegonha-branca Ciconia ciconia obtidas no lago Manzala, Dimiaat, Egito, foram descritos. As células somáticas de amostras de Ciconia ciconia possuem número diploide 2n = 68 cromossomos. Dos 68 cromossomos, 11 pares incluindo cromossomos sexuais eram macrocromossomos e os pares restantes eram microcromossomos. Dos 11 pares de macrocromossomos, os nos 1, 2, 4 e 5 eram submetacêntricos, e os pares nos 6, 7 e 8 foram descritos como metacêntricos. Além disso, o par de autossomos no 3 era subtelocêntrico, enquanto o par de autossomos no 9 era acrocêntrico. Além disso, o cromossomo sexual Z representa o quarto em tamanho e foi classificado como submetacêntrico, enquanto o cromossomo W apareceu como de tamanho médio e acrocêntrico. Além disso, o padrão de bandamento C (heterocromatina constitutiva) revelou variação em seus tamanhos e ocorrência entre macrocromossomos. Pares nos 7 e 8 dos autossomos exibiram distribuição incomum de heterocromatina, onde apareceram como totalmente heterocromáticos. Isso pode estar relacionado à origem dos cromossomos sexuais Z e W. No entanto, não há evidências suficientes para ilustrar o aparecimento de autossomos totalmente heterocromáticos. Portanto, não há literatura citogenética disponível que descreva o bandamento C e o cariótipo de Ciconia ciconia, portanto os resultados aqui apresentados são importantes e podem auxiliar no estudo citogenético e no padrão evolutivo de Ciconiiformes.

First constitutive heterochromatin characterization and Karyotype of white stork Ciconia ciconia (Aves: Ciconiidae) / Primeira caracterização constitutiva de heterocromatina e cariótipo de cegonhabranca Ciconia ciconia (Aves: Ciconiidae)

The karyotype and constitutive heterochromatin pattern of the white stork Ciconia ciconia samples obtained from Manzala lake, Dimiaat, Egypt was described. Somatic cells of Ciconia ciconia samples have diploid number 2n= 68 chromosomes. Out of 68 chromosomes, 11 pairs including sex chromosomes were macrochromosomes and the remaining pairs were microchromosomes. Of the 11 macrochromosome pairs, no.1, 2, 4 and 5 were submetacentric and pairs no. 6, 7 and 8 were described as metacentric. In addition, the autosome pair no.3 was subtelocentric, while autosome pair no.9 was acrocentric. Also, the sex chromosome Z represents the fourth one in size and it was classified as submetacentric while, W chromosome appeared as medium size and was acrocentric. Furthermore, C-banding pattern (constitutive heterochromatin) revealed variation in their sizes and occurrence between macrochromosomes. Pairs no. 7 and 8 of autosomes exhibited unusual distribution of heterochromatin, where they appeared as entirely heterochromatic. This may be related to the origin of sex chromosomes Z and W. However, there is no sufficient evidence illustrate the appearance of entirely heterochromatic autosomes. Therefore, there is no available cytogenetic literature that describes the C-banding and karyotype of Ciconia Ciconia, so the results herein are important and may assist in cytogenetic study and evolutionary pattern of Ciconiiformes.

O cariótipo e o padrão constitutivo de heterocromatina das amostras de cegonha-branca Ciconia ciconia obtidas no lago Manzala, Dimiaat, Egito, foram descritos. As células somáticas de amostras de Ciconia ciconia possuem número diploide 2n = 68 cromossomos. Dos 68 cromossomos, 11 pares incluindo cromossomos sexuais eram macrocromossomos e os pares restantes eram microcromossomos. Dos 11 pares de macrocromossomos, os nos 1, 2, 4 e 5 eram submetacêntricos, e os pares nos 6, 7 e 8 foram descritos como metacêntricos. Além disso, o par de autossomos no 3 era subtelocêntrico, enquanto o par de autossomos no 9 era acrocêntrico. Além disso, o cromossomo sexual Z representa o quarto em tamanho e foi classificado como submetacêntrico, enquanto o cromossomo W apareceu como de tamanho médio e acrocêntrico. Além disso, o padrão de bandamento C (heterocromatina constitutiva) revelou variação em seus tamanhos e ocorrência entre macrocromossomos. Pares nºs 7 e 8 dos autossomos exibiram distribuição incomum de heterocromatina, onde apareceram como totalmente heterocromáticos. Isso pode estar relacionado à origem dos cromossomos sexuais Z e W. No entanto, não há evidências suficientes para ilustrar o aparecimento de autossomos totalmente heterocromáticos. Portanto, não há literatura citogenética disponível que descreva o bandamento C e o cariótipo de Ciconia ciconia, portanto os resultados aqui apresentados são importantes e podem auxiliar no estudo citogenético e no padrão evolutivo de Ciconiiformes.

First constitutive heterochromatin characterization and Karyotype of white stork Ciconia ciconia (Aves: Ciconiidae)

Abstract The karyotype and constitutive heterochromatin pattern of the white stork Ciconia ciconia samples obtained from Manzala lake, Dimiaat, Egypt was described. Somatic cells of Ciconia ciconia samples have diploid number 2n= 68 chromosomes. Out of 68 chromosomes, 11 pairs including sex chromosomes were macrochromosomes and the remaining pairs were microchromosomes. Of the 11 macrochromosome pairs, no.1, 2, 4 and 5 were submetacentric and pairs no. 6, 7 and 8 were described as metacentric. In addition, the autosome pair no.3 was subtelocentric, while autosome pair no.9 was acrocentric. Also, the sex chromosome Z represents the fourth one in size and it was classified as submetacentric while, W chromosome appeared as medium size and was acrocentric. Furthermore, C-banding pattern (constitutive heterochromatin) revealed variation in their sizes and occurrence between macrochromosomes. Pairs no. 7 and 8 of autosomes exhibited unusual distribution of heterochromatin, where they appeared as entirely heterochromatic. This may be related to the origin of sex chromosomes Z and W. However, there is no sufficient evidence illustrate the appearance of entirely heterochromatic autosomes. Therefore, there is no available cytogenetic literature that describes the C-banding and karyotype of Ciconia Ciconia, so the results herein are important and may assist in cytogenetic study and evolutionary pattern of Ciconiiformes.

Resumo O cariótipo e o padrão constitutivo de heterocromatina das amostras de cegonha-branca Ciconia ciconia obtidas no lago Manzala, Dimiaat, Egito, foram descritos. As células somáticas de amostras de Ciconia ciconia possuem número diploide 2n = 68 cromossomos. Dos 68 cromossomos, 11 pares incluindo cromossomos sexuais eram macrocromossomos e os pares restantes eram microcromossomos. Dos 11 pares de macrocromossomos, os nos 1, 2, 4 e 5 eram submetacêntricos, e os pares nos 6, 7 e 8 foram descritos como metacêntricos. Além disso, o par de autossomos no 3 era subtelocêntrico, enquanto o par de autossomos no 9 era acrocêntrico. Além disso, o cromossomo sexual Z representa o quarto em tamanho e foi classificado como submetacêntrico, enquanto o cromossomo W apareceu como de tamanho médio e acrocêntrico. Além disso, o padrão de bandamento C (heterocromatina constitutiva) revelou variação em seus tamanhos e ocorrência entre macrocromossomos. Pares nos 7 e 8 dos autossomos exibiram distribuição incomum de heterocromatina, onde apareceram como totalmente heterocromáticos. Isso pode estar relacionado à origem dos cromossomos sexuais Z e W. No entanto, não há evidências suficientes para ilustrar o aparecimento de autossomos totalmente heterocromáticos. Portanto, não há literatura citogenética disponível que descreva o bandamento C e o cariótipo de Ciconia ciconia, portanto os resultados aqui apresentados são importantes e podem auxiliar no estudo citogenético e no padrão evolutivo de Ciconiiformes.

City-wide wastewater genomic surveillance through the successive emergence of SARS-CoV-2 Alpha and Delta variants.

Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 has provided a critical evidence base for public health decisions throughout the pandemic. Sequencing data from clinical cases has helped to understand disease transmission and the spread of novel variants. Genomic wastewater surveillance can offer important, complementary information by providing frequency estimates of all variants circulating in a population without sampling biases. Here we show that genomic SARS-CoV-2 wastewater surveillance can detect fine-scale differences within urban centres, specifically within the city of Liverpool, UK, during the emergence of Alpha and Delta variants between November 2020 and June 2021. Furthermore, wastewater and clinical sequencing match well in the estimated timing of new variant rises and the first detection of a new variant in a given area may occur in either clinical or wastewater samples. The study's main limitation was sample quality when infection prevalence was low in spring 2021, resulting in a lower resolution of the rise of the Delta variant compared to the rise of the Alpha variant in the previous winter. The correspondence between wastewater and clinical variant frequencies demonstrates the reliability of wastewater surveillance. However, discrepancies in the first detection of the Alpha variant between the two approaches highlight that wastewater monitoring can also capture missing information, possibly resulting from asymptomatic cases or communities less engaged with testing programmes, as found by a simultaneous surge testing effort across the city.

InAsP Quantum Dot-Embedded InP Nanowires toward Silicon Photonic Applications.

Quantum dot (QD) emitters on silicon platforms have been considered as a fascinating approach to building next-generation quantum light sources toward unbreakable secure communications. However, it has been challenging to integrate position-controlled QDs operating at the telecom band, which is a crucial requirement for practical applications. Here, we report monolithically integrated InAsP QDs embedded in InP nanowires on silicon. The positions of QD nanowires are predetermined by the lithography of gold catalysts, and the 3D geometry of nanowire heterostructures is precisely controlled. The InAsP QD forms atomically sharp interfaces with surrounding InP nanowires, which is in situ passivated by InP shells. The linewidths of the excitonic (X) and biexcitonic (XX) emissions from the QD and their power-dependent peak intensities reveal that the proposed QD-in-nanowire structure could be utilized as a non-classical light source that operates at silicon-transparent wavelengths, showing a great potential for diverse quantum optical and silicon photonic applications.

Ceftolozane-tazobactam vs. colistin for the treatment of infections due to multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa: a multicentre cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the safety and effectiveness of ceftolozane-tazobactam (C-T) to colistin-based regimen for treating infections caused by multidrug-resistant (MDR) Pseudomonas aeruginosa. METHODS: This was a retrospective, multicentre, observational cohort study of inpatients who received either C-T or intravenous colistin for treating infections caused by MDR P. aeruginosa. The study was conducted in five tertiary care hospitals in Saudi Arabia. The main study outcomes included clinical cure at end of treatment, in-hospital mortality, and acute kidney injury (AKI). Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression model were conducted to evaluate the independent effect of C-T on the clinical outcome. RESULTS: A total of 184 patients were included in the study: 82 patients received C-T, and 102 patients received colistin-based regimen. Clinical cure (77% vs. 57%; P = 0.005; OR, 2.52; 95% CI, 1.32-4.79) was significantly more common in patients who received C-T. After adjusting the difference between the two groups, treatment with C-T is independently associated with clinical cure (adjusted OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.16-5.27). In-hospital mortality (39% vs. 49%; P = 0.175; OR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.37-1.20) was lower in patients who received C-T, but the difference was not significant. AKI (15% vs. 41%; P < 0.001; OR, 0.25; 95% CI, 0.12-0.51) was significantly less common in patients who received C-T. CONCLUSION: C-T is associated with a higher rate of clinical cure and lower rate of AKI compared to colistin. Our findings support the preferential use of C-T over colistin-based regimen for treating these infections.

Prediction of groundwater nitrate concentration in a semiarid region using hybrid Bayesian artificial intelligence approaches.

Nitrate is a major pollutant in groundwater whose main source is municipal wastewater and agricultural activities. In the present study, Bayesian approaches such as Bayesian generalized linear model (BGLM), Bayesian regularized neural network (BRNN), Bayesian additive regression tree (BART), and Bayesian ridge regression (BRR) were used to model groundwater nitrate contamination in a semiarid region Marvdasht watershed, Fars province, Iran. Eleven groundwater (GW) nitrate conditioning factors have been taken as input parameters for predictive modeling. The results showed that the Bayesian models used in this study were all competent to model groundwater nitrate and the BART model with R2 = 0.83 was more efficient than the other models. The result of variable importance showed that potassium (K) has the highest importance in the models followed by rainfall, altitude, groundwater depth, and distance from the residential area. The results of the study can support the decision-making process to control and reduce the sources of nitrate pollution.

Prognostic significance of microRNA 17-92 cluster expression in Egyptian chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients.

BACKGROUND: Abnormal expression patterns of microRNAs (miRs) play an important role in the development and progression of malignancy. Identification of the clinical significance and prognostic value of these small molecules in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL); a disease of heterogeneous biological landscape and clinical course, has always been of tremendous translational value. AIM: To evaluate the prognostic value of microRNA17-92 cluster members in Egyptian CLL patients. METHODS: The expression levels of miR17-92 cluster members were evaluated by qRT-PCR, including miR17, miR18a, miR19a, miR19b-1, miR20a, and miR92a-1. Other investigations included serum LDH, serum ß2 microglobulin (ß2M), CD38 and ZAP70 expression by flow cytometry, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) for 17p deletion, and imaging studies (computerized tomography (CT) scans of neck, chest, abdomen, and pelvis or PET-CT scans). RESULTS: Overexpression of all members of the miRNA17-92 cluster was detected in CLL patients compared to controls (p = < 0.001 for all miRs while p = 0.01 for miR19b-1). A significant positive correlation between Hb and miR17 and a significant negative correlation between Hb and miR19b-1 were observed (p = 0.041, 0.017 respectively). A statistically significant positive correlation between miR19b-1 expression and each of the WBCs and absolute lymphocytic count (ALC) was detected (p = 0.023, 0.022 respectively). Moreover, a statistically significant relation between miR19b-1 expression and advanced Binet stages was also found (p = 0.05). Regarding miR18a, a statistically significant positive correlation with LDH level was found (p = 0.003). We also found a significant positive correlation between miR92a-1 and ß2M level (p = 0.005), as well as a significant relation between miR17 and negative CD38 expression (p = 0.034). However, no significant relationships between any of studied miRNA expression levels and 17p deletion or response to treatment were observed. Patients who expressed miR19b-1 were significantly indicated to start therapy at diagnosis (p = 0.05). The overall survival of CLL patients included in our study was 90.2% after 1 year from the time of diagnosis. Patients with high expression of miR19a had better OS than those with low expression (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of all members of the miR17-92 cluster was detected in Egyptian CLL patients. MiR18a, miR19b-1, and miR92a-1 also have an adverse prognostic value while miR17 can be considered a good prognostic marker. High expression of miR19a is associated with better OS.

Synthesis of New Binary Thiazole-Based Heterocycles and Their Molecular Docking Study as COVID-19 Main Protease (Mpro) Inhibitors.

Isolated polynuclear binary heterocyclic compounds containing thiazole building block combined with benzofuran, pyrrole, thiazole, or thiophene via carboxamide and/or secondary amine as a junction are presented. The synthetic strategy of those is based on utilization of 2-chloroacetamido-4-phenylthiazole in the synthesis of binary heterocyclic compounds by cyclocondensation with salicylic aldehyde, acetonitrile derivatives, ammonium thiocyanate, 3-mercaptoacrylonitrile derivatives, and/or 3-mercaptoacrylate derivatives. The prepared binary thiazole-based heterocycles have been studied as protease (Mpro) inhibitors by molecular docking for visualization of their orientation and interactions with COVID-19 units using hydroxychloroquine as a reference molecule.

Rotational (de)-excitation of C5 by collision with He at low temperature.

An appropriate estimation of the abundance of the observed C5 radical in the interstellar medium requires accurate radiative and collisional rate coefficients. We present the first two-dimensional potential energy surface (2D-PES) for the ground electronic state of the C5(X1Σ+)-He(X1S) van der Waals system, obtained using an explicitly correlated coupled-cluster method with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations (RCCSD(T)-F12). This PES is subsequently used in quantum close-coupling (CC) scattering calculations. Collisional excitation cross-sections of the rotational levels of C5 by He were calculated for energies up to 1500 cm-1 using the standard (CC) method. The thermal dependence of the corresponding rate coefficients is given for the low and moderate temperature T ≤ 300 K regime of interstellar molecular clouds. This is the first study on the collisional rate coefficients for this system and may have important implications for the astrophysical detection of C5(X1Σ+) and modeling of carbon-rich media.

First constitutive heterochromatin characterization and Karyotype of white stork Ciconia ciconia (Aves: Ciconiidae).

The karyotype and constitutive heterochromatin pattern of the white stork Ciconia ciconia samples obtained from Manzala lake, Dimiaat, Egypt was described. Somatic cells of Ciconia ciconia samples have diploid number 2n= 68 chromosomes. Out of 68 chromosomes, 11 pairs including sex chromosomes were macrochromosomes and the remaining pairs were microchromosomes. Of the 11 macrochromosome pairs, no.1, 2, 4 and 5 were submetacentric and pairs no. 6, 7 and 8 were described as metacentric. In addition, the autosome pair no.3 was subtelocentric, while autosome pair no.9 was acrocentric. Also, the sex chromosome Z represents the fourth one in size and it was classified as submetacentric while, W chromosome appeared as medium size and was acrocentric. Furthermore, C-banding pattern (constitutive heterochromatin) revealed variation in their sizes and occurrence between macrochromosomes. Pairs no. 7 and 8 of autosomes exhibited unusual distribution of heterochromatin, where they appeared as entirely heterochromatic. This may be related to the origin of sex chromosomes Z and W. However, there is no sufficient evidence illustrate the appearance of entirely heterochromatic autosomes. Therefore, there is no available cytogenetic literature that describes the C-banding and karyotype of Ciconia Ciconia, so the results herein are important and may assist in cytogenetic study and evolutionary pattern of Ciconiiformes.